As MD, Philpotts will work with clients in the film, TV and music industries, and is already handling production companies Future Films and Breakthru Films. Four Entertainment launched the latter's animated production of Peter and the Wolf at the Royal Albert Hall last month.

Philpotts explained: ‘We are targeting clients that want a full-service agency with specialist film industry knowledge.

‘Our role covers everything from raising financial support for production firms to promoting their films,' he added.

Ian Thomson, former UK Film Council head of press, is working alongside Philpotts as Four Entertainment head of film. Philpotts said he expected the division to have around ten staff in a year.

Philpotts left DDA in August after nearly two years. He was previously at Kinross & Render.

Four this week set up a Liverpool office run by Alun Hayes, former adviser to constitutional affairs minister Harriet Harman MP.

Hayes's most recent job was adviser to Tony Woodley, general-secretary of the Transport & General Workers Union. The Liverpool office will specialise in corporate and property PR, and property public affairs.

ALSO... Four Communications is set to promote London's next Italian culture festival La Dolce Vita. The event is in its third year.